19th century substation to be replaced

A 19th century building will be demolished to make way for a new electricity substation in Oswestry.
The old substation base at Coney Green will be replaced as part of a £14 million programme to update the Oswestry area by Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN).
A switchroom, 11kV substation and transformer will be created on the site, replacing the disused building. Scottish Power initially investigated re-using the original building but found it “unsuitable for use as a switchroom.”
A 20th century red-brick switchroom and a late 20th century buff-brick building will also be demolished, which applicants say will give the opportunity to improve the area’s layout.
New buildings on the site will be set further back into the site to widen the access road through Coney Green.
They will also be single storey but the switchroom will be taller due to internal headroom requirements.
The decision by Shropshire Council was reported to Oswestry town councillors at last week’s development and planning committee meeting.
Councillors had welcomed the plans at a previous meeting, but emphasised the importance of new buildings to be in keeping with the history of the area.
Shropshire Council planning officer Tim Rogers said in a report heard by Oswestry councillors: “The proposal is for the demolition of existing buildings as they are not adequate for the use as a switch-room. The intention is to reconfigure the site and provide new buildings which will be suitable for the purpose required.
“A historical assessment has been produced in relation to this to ensure that demolitions and rebuilds are sympathetic with the character of the conservation area and surrounding buildings.
“The proposal protects the historic fabric and appearance of the building and will safeguard local and residential amenities.”